CME – Coronal Mass Ejections have become a popular doomsday theory in recent years. These large clouds of plasma and magnetic energy erupt from the Sun and can race towards Earth. They have the potential of causing widespread damage to the power grid.

DFO – Disaster Field Offices are temporary headquarters for FEMA during a disaster.

DHS – Department of Homeland Security is a relatively new agency formed in 2002. It responds to threats and hazards in the U.S.

EARS – Emergency Animal Response Services are often coordinated for animal sheltering and services during a disaster. This service is managed by UAN (United Animal Nations).

EAS – Emergency Alert System

EMS – Emergency Management Systems are available nationwide on a local level. These first responders include fire, law enforcement, paramedics, etc.

EMP – ElectroMagnetic Pulses are bursts of electromagnetic energy that can harm electrical devices, including utility grids. EMPs may be caused by nuclear explosions or fluctuations in magnetic fields.

FAK – First Aid Kit

FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency is a division of the Department of Homeland Security. Their mission is to protect the U.S. from all hazards and reduce the loss of life and property during an emergency.

HDR – Humanitarian Daily Rations are primarily used during humanitarian crises. The food selection is usually designed to meet a variety of religious and ethnic requirements (no meat products). HDRs are lighter in weight and higher in calories than MREs. They are also much cheaper.

MRE – Meal Ready to Eat is a self-contained food ration commonly used in the U.S. military. This emergency food option can be especially heavy as packaging is required to withstand a variety of circumstances, including parachute drop. They can weigh almost two pounds each. The resale of government-issued MREs is prohibited, but civilians can purchase them directly from the manufacturer.